Did you know that lighting can have a direct impact on your productivity and well-being? Research has shown that good lighting boosts your mood, enhances your energy levels and therefore improves productivity. Bad lighting will do the opposite, reducing your energy and even leading to headaches and eye strain.

With more people across Northern Ireland and beyond now working from home it has never been more important to create a comfortable working environment that has the correct levels of light that you need to work from home.

At Barrett Castle Lighting, Omagh we reveal five top tips to help you light up your office space for productive results:

1) Avoid Over Head Lighting

It may sound surprising but it is best not to work under direct overhead light. If you have light directly on your computer screen or laptop, it can reflect the light and cause glare. It is best to avoid working conditions like these as it will strain your eyes as you put more effort into looking at what is on your screen. Direct light can also give you not only blurred vision but can lead to headaches and shoulder or neck pain. To avoid this happening you are best to position your table or desk at a place that allows natural light to flood in and where additional light sources feel more natural. 

When it comes to additional light sources look for ways to diffuse the ambient light that will illuminate your working space. Lampshades are a great way to soften and spread the harsh light, while an upward-shining floor lamp will bounce the light off the walls and ceilings. The goal is to ensure no shadows are created in the process.

2) Create Task Lighting

For computer and office work at home try and invest in lights that are designed for the task at hand. As an example and adjustable desk lamp can spread light exactly into the area where you need it to enable you to carry out your task.

If you are lucky enough to have multiple working areas in your home office such as a computer desk and a separate area for your phone or filing, then be sure to invest in dedicated task lighting for each of these stations.

Make sure when creating task lighting to position your desk lamps on the opposite side of the desk to your writing hand to avoid shadows. If you are short on desk space you can always invest in a wall spotlight which is mounted on your wall and has an adjustable head or arm to allow the light beam to fall as you need it to.

3) Install a Dimmer Switch

Dimmer switches are not only used for creating an ambience in your space but will allow you to quickly adjust the lighting in your room for working at home purposes. As an example if you are working from your spare bedroom or dining room you will want good quality bright light for working during the day, but are likely to want the ability to tone things down in the evening when it’s time to close the ‘office’ and relax in front of the TV!

4) Layer Your Lighting

In the world of lighting and interior design it is all about layering your lighting to create the perfect environment. 

Using a combination of natural, ceiling, and task lighting, such as floor and table lamps, allows you to work from home in a productive way by day or night.

In this blog we reveal why you should create a >> Lighting Plan which layered lighting is a key part of the plan. 

5) Be Energy Efficient 

When working at home try and use energy-efficient LED bulbs to make your home office as cost efficient as possible. LED bulbs and lamps can even be used in more traditional antique style fittings and at Barrett Castle Lighting, Omagh we supply the full range.

LED bulbs produce light far more efficiently than old-fashioned bulbs. Research has shown that LED lights increase the attention span, mood, and performance of office workers and other employees by as much as 25%.

6) Use Natural Daylight

As highlighted above the use of natural day light is a great way to create the optimum home working environment. Do everything you can to utilise this source of light and reduce your energy bills in the process.

If you need help with your home office lighting why not give us a call at Barrett Castle Lighting or visit us in-store at Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh, County Tyrone. We have something for every type of home office space and interior style.